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by Denise Salem
If you ask yourself, “What are my gifts?” are you able to identify them? Are you using your gifts as an expression of your life’s purpose?
In the book, “The Power of Purpose,” Richard Leider says that using our gifts and talents comes naturally as a way to give to others. What gifts do you bring to others? Perhaps it’s teaching, coaching, creating, organizing, listening or healing.
Leider suggests asking yourself the following questions as prompts for identifying your specific gifts:
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What gifts do people consistently come to you for or ask you for? (offering advice, healing, listening?)
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What gifts spark the comment “You’re so good at that?” (sometimes we’re the last to know!)
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What activity do you truly enjoy doing – one that causes you to lose track of time while you’re doing it? (Wine-tasting is probably not the answer we’re looking for here.)
If you need additional nudging, invite your friends and family to offer strengths they notice in you. I guarantee some of their answers will surprise you!
When I attended my first purpose workshop I had no idea I would someday find myself facilitating workshops. Evidently, the facilitator saw something in me (a gift, perhaps?) she thought could help others as they unlocked their own life’s purpose. As I began facilitating classes, I found a new appreciation in helping and serving others. Before that, I never thought teaching and sharing was among my gifts.
A Call to Action
You don’t have to look far to find your gifts. They already exist within you and are waiting to be unwrapped! At this moment, you have gifts that will serve your purpose, and when embraced, enrich your life’s work.
Leider tells us to “turn ourselves inside out” by unlocking our story, our gifts and our curiosity.
Unwrap your hidden gifts right now. Grab a paper and pencil. Spend 2 minutes journaling on one of these topics:
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Where have I come from?
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The power of choice.
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My deepest yearnings...
Unwrap your beautiful package of purpose and begin sharing your gifts with the world.
Denise Salem facilitates groups in guided Zen-style meditation. She can be reached at 712-255-8061 & dsalem@cableone.net.
Photos of confident woman by Parker Deen